For the first time ever, Missouri's Share the Harvest program will have the capacity to process up to 10,000 deer this season and provide that venison to families in need, thanks to a partnership between Gov. Jay Nixon, the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Conservation Federation of Missouri, and local food banks. Last year, Missouri hunters donated 4,200 full deer to Share the Harvest.

Because of this expansion, contributing a deer will be easier and cheaper than ever. For each whole deer contributed this season, the Conservation Federation will reimburse local processors $60, directly reducing the processing cost for the hunter. That is a significant increase over the $40 reimbursement offered last year. In many cases, local charities also will cover the balance of the processing cost.

"Hunting is a time-honored tradition for families across Missouri, and sharing the harvest with those in need is an important part of that tradition," said Gov. Nixon, who once again will hunt in Clark County, Mo., on the opening weekend of firearms deer season. "This season, I encourage Missouri hunters to join us in continuing this legacy of generosity by providing a healthy source of protein to needy families. From a few pounds to an entire deer, any amount of venison donated to Share the Harvest helps feed people right here in Missouri. By participating in Share the Harvest, hunters can fight hunger and foster hope for thousands of Missouri families."

Gov. Nixon made this announcement today at Bass Pro Shops in Columbia. Founded and headquartered in Springfield, Bass Pro is one of the strongest private sponsors of Share the Harvest and a pillar of Missouri's outdoor-recreation industry.

Now in its 19th season, the capacity of Share the Harvest will grow dramatically this year because of two new funding sources secured by Gov. Nixon. Last year, Gov. Nixon's administration awarded the Conservation Federation of Missouri more than $277,000 in Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits. Over three years, these credits will help the Conservation Federation secure private contributions to expand the number of meat processors who participate in Share the Harvest; the number of deer contributed by hunters; and the pounds of venison distributed. The Conservation Federation administers Share the Harvest in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Earlier this year, Gov. Nixon's administration and the Missouri Association of Food Banks also provided an additional $350,000 to expand the capacity of Share the Harvest.

"Share the Harvest has expanded significantly over the past 19 seasons, but this season, we're posed for more growth than ever," said Dave Murphy, executive director of the Conservation Federation of Missouri. "Missouri hunters have a proud legacy of giving back to our communities, and Share the Harvest has always been one of our primary ways of doing that. Thanks to Gov. Nixon's leadership and the support of our private sponsors, we will dramatically increase the impact of Share the Harvest this season and in the years to come. It's time for Missouri hunters to stand together once again and fill our food banks with healthy, nutritious venison."

Share the Harvest subsidizes the cost of butchering and packaging whole deer donated by Missouri hunters. To participate, hunters simply take their deer to an approved processor and indicate how much venison they wish to contribute, ranging from a few pounds to a whole deer. The funds provided for Share the Harvest by Gov. Nixon will help alleviate financial constraints on the program and raise the number of deer individual processors are able to accept.

"Keeping healthy sources of protein on our shelves is one of our greatest challenges," said Peggy Kirkpatrick, executive director of the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri. "Over the past few years, Missouri's food pantries have been inundated with families in need of assistance, and the venison provided by Share the Harvest has been more important than ever. The generosity of Missouri hunters is truly a blessing for us and the people we serve, and we thank sportsmen across our state for their support of this excellent program."